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Top Trump Ally Flips On Him

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Who expected this?

During the Trump administration, Mike Pompeo, who served as Secretary of State, publicly supported the proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel by the Japanese company Nippon Steel. His position was in stark contrast to that of then-President-elect Donald Trump, who had vowed to block the deal. Pompeo argued that rejecting the acquisition would harm America’s national security by weakening the country’s ability to maintain a competitive domestic steel industry.

In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Pompeo emphasized that allowing the acquisition would bolster the U.S. steel sector, making it more competitive and ensuring a secure domestic supply of steel, which he described as essential for the country’s long-term economic and defense needs. He warned that blocking the deal would only benefit China, which, according to The Economist, produces more steel than the rest of the world combined. Pompeo further stated that blocking the deal would damage U.S.-Japan relations and provide the Chinese Communist Party with ammunition to spread anti-American propaganda.

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Pompeo’s stance, however, drew criticism, particularly from the United Steelworkers union, which argued that the deal would hurt American workers and manufacturers. The union’s leadership pointed out that Nippon Steel has a history of flooding the U.S. market with cheap steel from its overcapacity in Japan and China, which they argue undermines U.S. steel production and job security. David McCall, the president of the United Steelworkers, expressed concerns that the acquisition would lead to more foreign control over American manufacturing, potentially resulting in job losses and diminished national security.

Despite these concerns, Pompeo’s position aligned with his broader belief that global competition, particularly with China, requires strengthening the U.S. economy and its domestic industries. On the other hand, Trump’s opposition to the acquisition echoed his broader “America First” trade policies, which favored protecting U.S. jobs and industries from foreign influence. Trump has been vocal in supporting tariffs and other measures to ensure that American manufacturing, including steel, remains competitive and secure.

This debate underscores the complex intersection of national security, trade policy, and economic competitiveness. As the U.S. faces growing competition from China and other global powers, the question remains: how best to protect American workers while ensuring the country remains a strong player in global markets.